New_Sexual_Curriculum_in_Ontario

Sexual Education Curriculum Sexual education has always been a controversial topic and recently the Ontario government proposed a new sexual curriculum that raised quite an uproar. The new curriculum is a wonderful idea. Children know a lot more than they lead on; however, the information they receive is often from other kids or the media, and consequently it’s not necessarily accurate. When they hear about sex they generally think male to female relationships but they should also know there are female to female and male to male sexual relationships. Sadly, most of the time, homosexuals are seen in a bad light from kids who make a joke out of these peoples sexuality. The goal of the Dalton McGuinty, the Premier of Ontario, was not to promote pre-mature sex, rather his purpose was to update a very old and in much need of an update curriculum. Lastly if parents are uncomfortable with the information their child is receiving they have the option to remove them from the class. Young children nowadays are much more knowledgeable than they are perceived to be. In the past young children weren’t exposed to the vulgar commercials, movies and television programs that they are now. Parents, teachers and civilians alike are too naive to realize that children as young as grade two know what sex is. However children are receiving their information from older children, television and the internet and they are being greatly misinformed. Rather than thinking about abstinence they are being lead to believe sex is a great thing and they should do it as soon as they can. With the new sexual education curriculum they would be taught about abstinence and how to be safe and protected. Research has proven that children who are well informed about sexual education postpone sex and practice safe sex when they do become sexually active. An article in the Jamaica Gleaner News states that: “When children are armed with age-appropriate sex education, it helps them to cope with their feelings and with peer pressure. Sex knowledge helps them become confident and boosts self-esteem, which fosters healthy relationships. A child who is informed about sex is more likely to be protected from sexual abuse and from becoming a sexual abuser... When children are informed about sexuality, they are less likely to take sexual risks and more equipped to take care of their sexual health.” (Heather Little-White) In our modern society homosexuality is becoming much more acceptable and prevalent. The focus of many gay rights activists is to make homosexuality a social norm. For instance some children have two moms and research from the Archives of Sexual Behaviour Volume 15, Number 2 has proven that the sexuality of the child or children is not affected proven by the following quote: “It is clear that boys and girls raised from early childhood by a homosexual mother without an adult male in the household for about four years do not appear appreciably different on parameters of psychosexual and psychosocial development from children raised by heterosexual mothers, also without another male present.”(Archives of Sexual Behaviour Volume 15, Number 2, 181) As well those children tend to grow up to be much more open minded and accepting individuals. The catholic school boards created a huge controversy when they raised concern about children in grade three learning about homosexuality which goes against their moral values; however, the majority of children that age know what a homosexual is. Hence it is beneficial to teach children the proper information about homosexuals and the proper terminology. Also they need to be taught that homosexuals should be treated with the same amount of respect as everyone else and using derogatory sentences; such as, “That’s gay,” and “You’re a faggot,” is completely unacceptable. In simpler terms, the new curriculum stated that children in grade one would be taught to indentify body parts, including genitalia. Students in grade three would be taught about homosexuality. Children in grade six would learn about masturbation and in grade seven the concepts of anal and oral sex would be introduced. To some people this may seem outrageous; however, the reality is these children already know about what all of that is. What they don’t know is the correct terminology, safety risks and the correct information. The curriculum was developed by multiple groups of people; such as, teachers, principals, sexual education experts: people who are around children all day. The goal is not to teach these children that this is a great thing and they should go out and try it; the purpose is to have an up to date sexual education curriculum that is age appropriate. David McKewon said: ““Kids need clear, unbiased, age-appropriate information and parents need the support offered by a strong sexual health program in schools.” (McKewon, David.) There was no plan to promote sexual behaviour, same –sex orientation or anal sex, it was to tell them this is our body, these are the changes we go through, this is how certain people express themselves sexually and emotionally, here is what can happen and these are some strategies to prevent it. No matter how a child is brought up they will go out and experiment so it is best that they know the risks and how to deal with certain unsafe situations and the dangers that accompany sexual activity. Certain individuals will try to argue that they don’t think that children that young should be learning about that material; however, they have the option to remove their child from the sexual education course. It is a law that before a teacher can start sexual education they need to have permission form signed by a parent or guardian stating that they can participate and the parents or guardian understand fully the material that will be taught. If the parents or guardian is not okay with it they can indicate it on the form given by the teacher and the child or children will be taken to another room at that time. Although the probability of the children discussing what they learned outside of the classroom is large; consequently, if the child is taken out of the class he or she will probably learn about it through other kids but the danger is that the information may get twisted and the child may be lead to believe incorrect information. Therefore it is a better idea to allow them to participate in the sexual education taught by the professional so they have the correct knowledge and if they are unsure about a topic the can ask a trained professional. In conclusion, the new sexual education curriculum is a good sensible approach. People who have concerns should take time to review the curriculum and really think about the fact that their children know a lot more than they think. They should also contemplate that their child should be informed properly through a trained professional so they grow up to be respectful towards people regardless of their sexual orientation and to reduce the risk of homophobia and homophobic crimes. The concepts are not too vulgar for children and if the parents or guardian disagree with that they have the option to remove their child from the program. Works Cited 1. Green, Richard et al. Archives of Sexual Behaviour Volume 15, Number 2. 1986. 29 October 2010. < http://www.springerlink.com/content/q1xu25071243162j/> 2. Little-White, Heather. Jamaica Gleaner News. 2 May 2010. Jamaica Gleaner News. 29 October 2010. 3. McKewon, David. National Post. 23 April 2010. National Post. 29 October 2010.